Elope!

I feel like the word Elope is almost considered a dirty 4-letter word in the wedding industy. It really shouldn't be. But it's almost frowned upon.

Not by me, mind you.

But really, my clients almost whisper to me, I think we should consider an elopement... in a hush tone.

Honestly, if eloping is right for you, do it!

And if you do it like this, do it right NOW!

I've known Lisa for a long time, and I've known Jeff even longer. I love them, and seeing them happy and together is a perfect fairy tale ending (or is it, begining) for me!


Lisa & Jeffrey's NYC Elopement ! from Jeffrey Stoner Video on Vimeo.

I Do!

So, I love Colbie Calliat, I just do... and when I heard this song, I knew it would be a winner for a wedding, and for me to play over and over and over again.

But really, what a great first dance, or a cake cutting, or introduction song, maybe even a recessional song.

Brides Florida - Cake

I do enjoy looking through wedding magazines. Really, I do.

Then again, I do like to critique them as well. There are something things that these magazines say, advertise, suggest, send subliminal messages on, write stories on, that I don't agree with. But then again we are all entitled to our opinion.

With that said, this season's issue of Brides Florida was really good. I enjoyed it.

There was one article that stood out to me.

It was about cake. (I love cake...don't tell...)

It was this article:

Yes, I for real ripped it out of the magazine!


And only because, that Black and White cake... I've seen something similar.

Photo by Footstone Photography

Ms. Debbie, in Gainesville, Florida made a similar cake.

And the reason I bring this up, and I think that these prices that they have listed, are quite dependent on where you live. New York, Miami, and Small Town, USA all have different pricing.

The flavor the cake, the quality of the fillings, the number of teirs.... all play a roll. The design as well, and I get that, really I do. But I think that some of these prices may scare brides away from using a local, amazing baker. And then they run to a grocery store chain and think they've saved a bundle - when in fact, a lot of the time the prices may not save them money. And may compromise the quality of the cake.

Stepping off my soap box.

Make Your Own Magic Shell

I love Steamy Kitchen, I love Jaden Hair... there I said it.

Now you know.

I bought her book. I met her in person. I follow her on twitter. I make her recipes. Frankly, I think she is gorgeous and super cool. This is border-line stalking. I know.

But, when I saw this link on her blog.. I knew I had to share. Because really, who doesn't love them some Magic Shell. And if you don't know what Magic Shell is... get out from under the rock.

And this recipe, from Eat The Love and their new recipe by photo's is awesome.

Love!

Spoiled Mutt

For those of you that know me, know I love my dog. Bellini is a great addition to our family, so when I ran across this Spoiled Mutt I knew I had to sign up! Immediately!

I am not a fan of having my picture taken... but you can take pictures of my kid and my dog all day!

And how about these?

Seriously, fantastic!

These "mutts" are too cute!

Are you Happy?

In the stress of everyday life, not just in planning a wedding - life can be complicated, stressful. You need to take time out, and ask yourself, Am I Happy?

Sometimes the answer is complicated. Whether the answer is yes or no, the yes can be complicated or the no can be ridiculously complicated. But I think this simple puzzles helps answer the question.

If you're not happy it's selfless to do something about it. (did you hear me, selfless not selfish!!!)

Stepping off my soap box. Thanks for listening.

(sorry I don't know where this image came from, I think I found it on Twitter forever ago and saved it to my desktop... if you know where it came from, let me know so I can give proper credit where it is due.)

Gainesville Indian Wedding

There are not too many weddings throughout the year for us that are 5-Days long, and include ceremonies and events for each of those days, however, Haritha and Peter's wedding included so much more us than ceremonies, it became a friendship during the planning, and we shared our lives during the year plus, and frankly, I had the best time working with her and her family on her wedding, I'd do it over again in a heart beat. (although, can we wait a few more months so I can recuperate)

Verve Studio was there with us for the majority of each event and captured the emotion the beauty and tradition so beautifully!

The Mehndi was gorgeous! Naza Designs in Pensacola was incredible! (Link below)

These shoes make me drool.

Aren't they going to make gorgeos babies!!!

More of the ceremony and receptions tomorrow!

Wedding Consultant & Planning Team:  Masterpiece Weddings
Transportation: Candies Limo
Photography: Verve Studio

Mehndi & Eidurukola Ceremony Venue: UF Hilton
Wedding Venue: Hippodrome State Theatre
Mandap, Lighting & Reception Decor: Keith Watson Productions
Hair: Graceful Strands
Makeup: Cliff Weir at Your Wedding Makeup
Henna Artists: Naza Design
Catering: Amrit Palace
Cake Artist: Dream Day Cakes
Live Cocktail Music: Gosia & Ali
Reception DJ: Jarad of Gnys Entertainment
Reception Venue: Florida Museum of Natural History on UF Campus
Cinematographers: Platinum Digital Video